Ecclesiastes 2:3
I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
*††I sought in mine heart to giue my selfe vnto wine, (yet acquainting mine heart with wisedome) and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sonnes of men, which they should doe vnder the heauen all the dayes of their life.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- †Hebrew wordingHebr. to draw my flesh with wine.
- †Hebrew wordingHebr. the number of the dayes of their life.
- *Cross-referenceChap. 1.17.
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From verse 3
- Proverbs 20:1Rank 1 from verse 3
- Ecclesiastes 1:17Rank 2 from verse 3
- Ecclesiastes 12:13Rank 3 from verse 3
- Ecclesiastes 6:12Rank 4 from verse 3
12For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
12†*For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the dayes of his vaine life, which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shal be after him vnder the sunne?
- Ephesians 5:18Rank 5 from verse 3
- Genesis 47:9Rank 6 from verse 3
9And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.
9And Iacob said vnto Pharaoh, *The dayes of the yeeres of my pilgrimage are an hundred & thirtie yeres: few and euill haue the dayes of the yeeres of my life bene, and haue not attained vnto the dayes of the yeeres of the life of my fathers, in the dayes of their pilgrimage.
- Proverbs 31:4–5Rank 7 from verse 3
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drinke wine, nor for Princes, strong drinke:
5††Lest they drinke, and forget the Law, and peruert the iudgement of any of the afflicted.
- 1 Samuel 25:36Rank 8 from verse 3
36¶ And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.
36¶ And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he held a feast in his house like the feast of a king; & Nabals heart was merry within him, for hee was very drunken: wherefore shee tolde him nothing, lesse or more, vntill the morning light.
- 2 Corinthians 6:15–17Rank 9 from verse 3
15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that beleeueth, with an infidel?
16And what agreement hath the Temple of God with idoles? for ye are the Temple of the liuing God, as God hath saide, *I will dwell in them, and walke in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17*Wherefore come out from among them, and bee yee separate, saieth the Lord, and touch not the vncleane thing, and I will receiue you,
- Ecclesiastes 2:24Rank 10 from verse 3
24¶ There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
24¶ *‖ There is nothing better for a man, then that he should eat and drinke, and that he should make his soule enioy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
- Ecclesiastes 3:12–13Rank 11 from verse 3
12I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
12I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to reioyce, and to doe good in his life.
13And also that euery man should eate and drinke, and enioy the good of all his labour: it is the gift of God.
- Ecclesiastes 7:18Rank 12 from verse 3
18It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
18 It is good that thou shouldest take holde of this, yea also from this withdraw not thine hand: for hee that feareth God, shall come foorth of them all.
- Ecclesiastes 7:25Rank 13 from verse 3
25I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
25†I applyed mine heart to know, and to search, and to seeke out wisdome, and the reason of things, aud to know the wickednes of folly, euen of foolishnesse and madnesse.
- Matthew 6:24Rank 15 from verse 3
24¶ No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
24¶ *No man can serue two masters: for either he will hate the one and loue the other, or else hee will holde to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serue God and Mammon.
- Proverbs 23:29–35Rank 16 from verse 3
29Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
35They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
29*Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath rednesse of eyes?
30They that tarry long at the wine, they that goe to seeke mixt wine.
31Looke not thou vpon the wine when it is red, when it giueth his colour in the cup, when it moueth it selfe aright.
32‖At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall vtter peruerse things.
34†Yea thou shalt be as he that lyeth downe in the midst of the sea, or as he that lyeth vpon the top of a mast.
35†They haue striken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sicke: they haue beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seeke it yet againe.
- Psalms 90:9–12Rank 17 from verse 3
9For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.
10The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
12So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
9†‖For all our dayes are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our yeeres as a tale that is told.
10†The dayes of our yeres are threescore yeeres and ten, and if by reason of strength they be fourescore yeeres, yet is their strength labour and sorrow: for it is soone cut off, and we flie away.
11Who knoweth the power of thine anger? euen according to thy feare, so is thy wrath.
12†So teach vs to number our daies: that wee may apply our hearts vnto wisedome.
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
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DEFINED WORDS
Ecclesiastes 2:3
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
To grant, hand, offer, supply, yield, or cause to have.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The produce of grapes or other fruit used as a drink.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
1. Up to or at the present or stated time; still. 2. At some future time. 3. Nevertheless; however. 4. In addition; further.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
acquainting
Making known or familiar; bringing the mind into knowledge of something.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To put, place, set, arrange, deposit, apply, establish, impose, or cause to be in a stated position or condition. Sense 2: As the past tense of lie, to recline, rest, be situated, or remain in a state. Sense 3: In lay with, to have sexual relations. Sense 4: To press or bear upon. Sense 5: In lay up, lay by, or lay in store, to keep, store, or treasure; in lay wait, lay snares, lay an ambush, or lay siege, to prepare or set. Sense 6: In lay hold or lay hands on, to seize, take, apprehend, or touch. Sense 7: In lay down one's life, to surrender or give it; in lay aside, lay apart, or lay away, to remove, reject, or put off.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: To grasp, seize, cling to, carry, wield, support, or keep fast, literally or figuratively. Sense 2: To keep, retain, possess, maintain, continue in, or adhere to. Sense 3: To restrain, confine, or keep back; to contain or have capacity. Sense 4: To regard, account, or judge. Sense 5: To conduct or celebrate an observance. Sense 6: To endure, prevail, or take effect. Sense 7: In hold one's peace or hold one's tongue, to remain silent. Sense 8: As a noun, a grasp or attachment; a place of confinement, refuge, security, or fortification.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
1. At, upon, or in contact with the named place, object, side, or time. 2. Toward, against, concerning, depending upon, or directed to the named person or thing. 3. Forward or continuing; in joined expressions such as go on, put on, and lay hold on, the other words supply the particular action.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To cultivate, plough, dress, and work soil for crops. Sense 2: As a time or limit word, until, up to, or as far as the stated point, condition, or event.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Power or strength. Sense 2: An auxiliary expressing possibility or permission.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To perceive or behold with the eyes or in a vision. Sense 2: To observe, examine, discover, ascertain, consider, understand, know, or recognize. Sense 3: To visit, meet, converse with, or be in the presence of. Sense 4: To experience, undergo, endure, or enjoy. Sense 5: To attend to, take care, ensure, or beware.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
A verb expressing duty, propriety, expectation, intention, purpose, condition, appointed outcome, or a future event viewed from another time or statement.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: The firmament or expanse above the earth, including the sky and the region of the sun, moon, stars, clouds, rain, and flying creatures. Sense 2: The realm above spoken of as God's throne and dwelling place, and as the place of angels, heavenly beings, and the righteous. Sense 3: By metonymy, God, heavenly authority or source, or those who dwell there.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
The state of living; the period or manner of one's existence.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
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Suggested context · Ecclesiastes 2:1–11
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2:1I SAID in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
2:1¶ I said in mine heart, Goe to now, I wil prooue thee with mirth, therfore enioy pleasure: and behold, this also is vanitie.
2:2I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?
2:2I saide of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?
2:3I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
2:3*††I sought in mine heart to giue my selfe vnto wine, (yet acquainting mine heart with wisedome) and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sonnes of men, which they should doe vnder the heauen all the dayes of their life.
Selected passage2:4I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
2:4I made me great workes, I builded mee houses, I planted mee Uineyards.
2:5I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
2:5I made mee gardens & orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kinde of fruits.
2:6I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:
2:6I made mee pooles of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth foorth trees:
2:7I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
2:7†I got me seruants and maydens, and had seruants borne in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattell, aboue all that were in Ierusalem before me.
2:8I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
2:8*†I gathered mee also siluer and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the prouinces: I gate mee men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sonnes of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
2:9So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
2:9So I was great, and increased more then all that were before mee in Ierusalem; also my wisedome remained with me.
2:10And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
2:10And whatsoeuer mine eyes desired, I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from any ioy: for my heart reioyced in all my labour; and this was my portion of all my labour.
2:11Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
2:11*Then I looked on all the workes that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to doe: and behold, all was vanitie, and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit vnder the Sunne.